The Prime Minister of the nation recently extended his warm greetings to the people across the country, commemorating the harvest festivals – Makar Sankranti, Uttarayan, Bhogi, Magh Bihu and Pongal. These significant festivals highlight the intense labor and diligence demonstrated by millions of farmers throughout India.
Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan
A key festival among these is Makar Sankranti, denoting the beginning of the sun’s journey into the zodiac sign Makara (Capricorn). This transition marks the commencement of summer and ushers in a six-month auspicious period according to Hindu tradition, known as Uttarayan. This signifies the northward movement of the sun along its celestial path.
The official celebration of ‘Uttarayan’ is marked with great enthusiasm in Gujarat, where the government hosts the International Kite Festival annually since 1989. However, the festivities associated with this day take various names in different regions of the country. It is celebrated as Lohri by North Indian Hindus and Sikhs, Sukarat in central India, Bhogali Bihu in Assam by the Assamese Hindus, and Pongal by Tamil and other South Indian Hindus.
Significance of Bihu
Bihu is another prominent harvest festival, celebrated with great pomp and fervor as the annual harvest occurs in Assam. The festival, also known as Rongali or Magh Bihu, signifies the inauguration of the Assamese New Year.
Historically, the festival is believed to have commenced when the valley’s inhabitants started their agricultural ventures, with the tradition being as old as the Brahmaputra river itself. Today, it stands as a testament to the agricultural heritage of the region and the cycle of sowing and reaping.
Pongal: The Overflow of Prosperity
Derived from the Tamil word meaning ‘overflow’ or ‘boiling over,’ Pongal, also known as Thai Pongal, represents prosperity and abundance. Celebrated over the course of four days in the Thai month, Pongal marks the harvesting period for crops like rice.
In a display of gratitude towards the divine power and the land’s generosity, Tamilians celebrate the occasion with traditional customs and rituals. The households come alive with beautiful traditional patterns known as kolams, drawn using rice powder, reflecting their deep respect and appreciation for the bountiful harvest.
Through these festivals, the hard work and dedication inherent in the farming community are recognized and celebrated. It reminds us, not only of the role agriculture plays in sustaining life but also of the cultural diversity and the unity it brings in a country like India.
